In the technology industry, where skills shortages remain high and demand continues to grow, apprenticeships are no longer an alternative route. They’re becoming a key entry point for young people at the start of their careers, as well as experienced individuals looking to switch careers.
We launched our apprenticeship programme as part of our long-standing commitment to grow digital capability and deliver social value through our work. Since founding Made Tech, we’ve invested heavily in early career pathways, including our engineering academy. Apprenticeships were a natural next step, combining learning with real-world delivery experience.
The goals of our apprenticeship programme are simple but ambitious:
- Develop future-ready digital talent
- Create accessible entry routes into tech careers
- Build long-term capability for public sector delivery
- Raise standards in practical, work-based technical training
- Support business and client outcomes through a strong talent pipeline
Innovation is at the heart of the technology sector, and our apprenticeship programmes are no different. Our Learning & Development team has worked hard to integrate several innovative approaches into our programme delivery to ensure that our apprentices expand their consultancy skills alongside their technical training.
A blended model built around delivery
We use a blended learning model that combines traditional classroom-based learning with hands-on, client-facing work. Apprentices balance their time between structured learning sessions and practical project delivery, allowing them to apply their learning in real-life scenarios. This approach helps consolidate their understanding and keeps learning grounded in the realities of modern digital delivery. Instead of learning theory first and practice later, apprentices build confidence by doing both simultaneously.
Developing consultants, not just engineers
Great public sector digital delivery relies on more than technical skills alone. It requires collaboration, communication, and sound judgment too. That’s why our apprentices work on cross-functional teams, which allows them to interact with other specialisms and gain a deeper understanding of how Made Tech operates. This helps them develop strong communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills – consulting skills that matter just as much as technical capability.
Learning through gamification
To further enhance apprentice engagement, we have incorporated gamification elements into our curriculum to make learning more interactive. These practical exercises give apprentices a chance to test their thinking, strengthen their technical skills and tackle problems in a more dynamic format.
Competitions and events
We encourage apprentices to test their skills beyond their day-to-day work whenever possible. Recent cohorts have participated in external competitions such as the NASA Space Challenge, which provided them with the opportunity to showcase their talents and challenge their abilities, whilst also engaging with individuals outside of Made Tech. We believe that these competitions and external events will foster healthy competition and drive excellence, enabling apprentices to benchmark their skills against peers across the industry whilst gaining confidence and experience under pressure.
Assessments that mirror real work
Our assessments are not abstract tasks. They are designed around real-life challenges that we encounter at Made Tech and the work we do for our clients. To make the experience as authentic as possible, we involve relevant stakeholders and, at times, clients throughout the project milestones so the work feels authentic and outcome-focused. By doing this, we aim to give apprentices a clear understanding of the impact of their work and how their contributions can make a meaningful difference for our clients and the broader community.
Continuous feedback
Feedback shouldn’t be something that only happens at the end of a module. At Made Tech, we implement a continuous feedback system built into the rhythm of the programme. Through regular check-ins, learning reviews, and weekly journals, apprentices receive ongoing feedback, enabling them to adjust quickly, build self-awareness and keep progressing steadily. This approach ensures learning remains ongoing and helps our apprentices stay on track, with support provided where required.
Career guidance from day one
Starting a career in tech can feel exciting – and overwhelming. We support our apprentices with structured career information, advice, and guidance throughout their apprenticeship. Our CIAG (Careers Information, Advice and Guidance) programme is a dedicated initiative that supports our apprentices as they build a confident, informed pathway to their future careers. The transition into the workforce is both exciting and daunting, and our programme is designed to provide clear, consistent, and high-quality guidance every step of the way.
Looking ahead
National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder that workforce development is long-term work. Strong programmes are built through iteration, feedback and partnership.
We’re proud of what our apprentices have already achieved, not just in qualifications gained, but in services improved and teams strengthened. As we grow the programme, our focus remains the same: high-quality learning, real delivery impact and genuine career progression.
If you’re interested in starting a career in digital and technology, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Author
Cheryl Peet
Learning & Development Team Lead
Chez is our Learning & Development Team Lead. She’s worked in learning and development for as long as she can remember and has many years experience working with apprentices. She thrives off learning new things, walking in the countryside and visiting new places.
